Garlic Cilantro Chicken Bites with Kiwi Strawberry Salsa

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Garlic Cilantro Chicken Bites with Kiwi Strawberry Salsa

Description

These Garlic Cilantro Chicken Bites with Kiwi Strawberry Salsa are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that balances savory, zesty, and sweet in every bite. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is infused with garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro, then topped with a refreshing salsa made from ripe kiwi, strawberries, and a hint of citrus.
Perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, tacos, or party appetizers, this dish is light yet satisfying and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Servings

Serves: 4
Serving Size: ~1 cup chicken + ½ cup salsa

Ingredients

Garlic Cilantro Chicken Bites

  • 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • Zest of 1 lime

  • Juice of ½ lime

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Kiwi Strawberry Salsa

  • 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

  • 2 tbsp red onion, finely minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, minced (for heat)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and cilantro.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
Let marinate 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Salsa

In a medium bowl, gently mix kiwi, strawberries, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and jalapeño (if using).
Cover and refrigerate while cooking the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add marinated chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Assemble & Serve

Transfer chicken to a serving plate and spoon kiwi strawberry salsa generously over the top.
Serve immediately.

Chef’s Notes

  • The sweetness of the fruit salsa cuts through the garlic and spice, making this dish feel light and refreshing.

  • Works beautifully as a taco filling, salad topper, or rice bowl protein.

  • Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well for meal prep.

Pro Tips

  • 🍗 Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

  • 🔥 For charred flavor, cook chicken on a grill pan or outdoor grill.

  • 🍯 Add ½ tsp honey to the salsa if your fruit isn’t very sweet.

  • 🌮 Serve with warm tortillas, avocado, or coconut rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 34 g

  • Carbohydrates: 16 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugar: 9 g

  • Sodium: 420 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety

  • Vitamin C–Rich: Kiwi and strawberries boost immunity

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic and cilantro help reduce inflammation

  • Low Carb & Gluten-Free: Great for clean eating and balanced diets

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken up to 3 days ahead. Store salsa separately and add fresh before serving.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes—just skip the red pepper flakes and jalapeño.

Q: What can I substitute for kiwi?
A: Mango, pineapple, or peach work beautifully.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Freeze the cooked chicken only (up to 2 months). Salsa should always be fresh.

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